Hit-and-run case: Salman Khan gets HC permission to travel abroad

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted permission to Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who is out on bail after being convicted in the 2002 hit-and-run case, to travel abroad for a show. Justice Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi allowed him to visit Dubai for the 'Indo-Arab Bollywood Awards' show on May 29, while hearing an application filed by the former. Salman's lawyer Niranjan Mundargi informed the court that the actor has to travel from May 27 to May 30 as he has professional commitments.

Mundargi said the actor will surrender his passport to the police within 12 hours of his return. Since Salman is now a convict, he will have to inform the Indian Consulate in Dubai about his entry and exit. "Since the applicant (Salman) is ready to abide by the conditions, his application deserves to be allowed," the High Court said.

"Salman shall furnish his travel plan, flight timing and number, address of the place where he will be staying in Dubai, his contact details including mobile number and landline number to the investigating agency," Justice Phansalkar-Joshi said.

The court further directed Salman to submit additional cash security of Rs 2 lakh before the trial court prior to leaving the country. On May 6, Salman was convicted by a sessions court of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and sentenced to five years in jail in the 2002 hit-and-run case.

The High Court had on May 8 granted the actor bail and suspended his sentence pending hearing and final disposal of his appeal against conviction. The HC had, however, directed the actor to take the court's permission every time he intended to leave the country.